Mozambique 'has biofuel potential'

13 July 2007, News24
URL: http://www.news24.com/News24/Africa/News/0,,2-11-1447_2145822,00.html

Maputo: Mozambique has the potential to produce more than 21 million litres of ethanol, and a further 40 million litres of bio-diesel, according to a study presented by the ministries of agriculture and energy.

Energy minister Salvador Namburete told a seminar on bio-fuels that more than five million hectares of land would be used in the production of crops that would produce bio-diesel fuels.

He said a recent study had suggested conditions under which crops such as coconut, sunflowers and jatropha (a plant that can be used as a source for bio-diesel) could be produced in the country to supply the industry.

The first phase would be implemented in the provinces of Inhambane, Zambezia, Nampula and Cabo Delgado.

Mozambique had vast opportunities for the production of fuels. Exploration for possible oil wells was taking place in the Rovuma basin.

Fuel prices increased three times in Mozambique this year due to high import costs.